AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch Philips Electronics
<PHG.AS><PHG.N> said on Friday it is to buy U.S. medical
products company Respironics for 3.6 billion euros ($5.17
billion) or $66 per share to strengthen its healthcare
business.

The transaction, which is expected to close in the first
quarter of 2008, will be immediately accretive to sales growth
and earnings before interest, tax and amortization (EBITA)
margin to Philips and its healthcare unit, Philips said in a
statement.